A handheld device includes at least two sections that are substantially mechanically isolated. Each section includes an actuator that generates haptic effects. The haptic effects generated by an actuator in one section are substantially isolated to that section so that, for example, directional haptic effects can be generated on the handheld device.
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1. A handheld device comprising: a first section comprising a first actuator, wherein the first section is separate from and coupled to a first vibration isolation barrier; a second section comprising a second actuator, wherein the second section is separate from and coupled to the first vibration isolation barrier; wherein the first section and the second section are separated from each other by the first vibration isolation barrier thereby substantially mechanically isolating the first section and the second section from each other; a third section comprising a third actuator and a user interface, the third section at least partially co-extensive with the first section and the second section; a second vibration isolation barrier separate from and coupled to the first, second and third sections, and wherein the third section is separated from the first section and the second section by the second vibration isolation barrier thereby substantially mechanically isolating the first section and the second section from the third section; and a processor configured to: cause the first actuator to provide a first haptic effect and the second actuator to provide a second haptic effect, wherein a series of the first haptic effect and the second haptic effect causes a directional haptic effect from the first section to the second section.
A handheld device creates directional haptic (vibration) feedback. It has three sections. The first section contains a vibration motor (actuator). The second section also has a vibration motor. A vibration isolation barrier separates the first and second sections, so vibrations from one motor don't strongly affect the other. A third section includes a user interface and a third vibration motor and partially overlaps the other two sections. A second vibration isolation barrier separates the third section from the first and second. A processor controls the vibration motors. By activating the first and second motors in sequence, the device creates a directional vibration effect that feels like it's moving from the first section to the second.
2. The handheld device of claim 1 , wherein the user interface comprises a touchscreen.
The handheld device described above, which creates directional haptic feedback using isolated vibrating sections, incorporates a touchscreen as its user interface.
3. The handheld device of claim 1 , wherein the first vibration isolation barrier comprises a Poron foam.
In the handheld device with directional haptic feedback, the vibration isolation barrier separating the first and second vibrating sections is made of Poron foam, a material that dampens vibrations.
4. The handheld device of claim 1 , wherein the first vibration isolation barrier is adapted to cause a vibration generated by the first actuator to have a substantially reduced amplitude in the second section.
The handheld device with directional haptic feedback includes a vibration isolation barrier designed to reduce the amplitude of vibrations generated by the first motor when those vibrations reach the second section. This ensures that the haptic effect remains localized and directional.
5. The handheld device of claim 1 , wherein the handheld device comprises a video game controller.
The handheld device described in claim 1, featuring directional haptic feedback using vibration isolation, is specifically implemented as a video game controller.
6. The handheld device of claim 1 , wherein the processor is configured to cause the directional haptic effect based on an event occurring in a video game.
In the handheld video game controller with directional haptic feedback, the processor triggers the directional vibrations based on events occurring within the video game.
7. The handheld device of claim 6 , wherein the event comprises a firing of a rocket or swinging of a golf club in the video game.
In the handheld video game controller, the directional haptic feedback is triggered by specific in-game events like the firing of a rocket or the swinging of a golf club. The vibrations mimic the direction and impact of these actions.
8. The handheld deVice of claim 6 , wherein the first haptic effect or the second haptic effect changes based on a change of a road surface simulated in the video game.
In the handheld video game controller with directional haptic feedback, the strength or type of vibration changes based on the simulated road surface in the video game. For example, a bumpy road might generate a rougher vibration than a smooth road.
9. The handheld device of claim 1 , wherein the first, second and third sections are each in contact with at least a portion of the second vibration isolation barrier.
In the handheld device with directional haptic feedback, the first, second, and third sections are each in contact with at least a portion of the second vibration isolation barrier.
10. A device that generates haptic effects comprising: a first section comprising a first actuator, wherein the first section is separate from and coupled to a first vibration isolation barrier; and a second section comprising a second actuator, wherein the second section is separate from and coupled to the first vibration isolation barrier; wherein the first section and the second section are substantially mechanically isolated from each other by the first vibration isolation barrier; a third section comprising a third actuator and a user interface, the third section at least partially co-extensive with the first section and the second section; a second vibration isolation barrier separate from and coupled to the first, second and third sections, and wherein the third section is separated from the first section and the second section by the second vibration isolation barrier thereby substantially mechanically isolating the first section and the second section from the third section; and a processor configured to: cause the first actuator to provide a first haptic effect and the second actuator to provide a second haptic effect that is a different type of haptic effect than the first haptic effect.
A device generates haptic effects with isolated vibration. It has three sections. The first has a vibration motor (actuator), and the second also has one. A vibration isolation barrier separates the first and second sections. A third section has a third vibration motor and a user interface and partially overlaps the other two. A second vibration isolation barrier separates the third section from the first and second. A processor controls the motors to create different types of haptic effects on each section simultaneously. For instance, the first motor might create a buzzing effect, while the second creates a clicking effect.
11. The device of claim 10 , wherein the user interface comprises a touchscreen.
The haptic feedback device that generates different types of haptic effects using vibration isolation, incorporates a touchscreen as its user interface.
12. The device of claim 10 , wherein the first vibration isolation barrier comprises a Poron foam.
In the haptic feedback device, the vibration isolation barrier separating the first and second vibrating sections is made of Poron foam, a material that dampens vibrations.
13. The device of claim 10 , wherein the first vibration isolation barrier is adapted to cause a vibration generated by the first actuator to have a substantially reduced amplitude in the second section.
The haptic feedback device includes a vibration isolation barrier designed to reduce the amplitude of vibrations generated by the first motor when those vibrations reach the second section. This ensures that the haptic effect remains localized.
14. The device of claim 10 , wherein the processor is further configured to: cause the first actuator to output the first haptic effect and the second haptic effect based on audio output.
In the haptic feedback device that creates different haptic effects, the processor triggers the vibrations based on audio output. This allows the device to synchronize haptic feedback with sound.
15. The device of claim 14 , wherein the audio output is associated with MIDI instruments.
The haptic feedback device generates vibrations based on audio, specifically using MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) instruments.
16. The device of claim 15 , wherein the first haptic effect is based on a first MIDI instrument and the second haptic effect is based on a second MIDI instrument different from the first MIDI instrument.
In the haptic feedback device that uses MIDI instruments, the first vibration motor's effect is based on the first MIDI instrument, and the second motor's effect is based on a different second MIDI instrument. This allows the device to provide distinct haptic feedback for different musical elements.
17. The device of claim 14 , wherein the audio output is associated with an MP3 file,
The haptic feedback device triggers vibrations based on an MP3 audio file.
18. The device of claim 17 , wherein the MP3 file comprises a first frequency band directed to the first section and a second frequency band different from the first frequency band directed to the second section.
The haptic feedback device uses an MP3 file to generate haptic feedback. The MP3's audio is split into different frequency bands. A first frequency band controls the vibrations in the first section, and a second, different frequency band controls the vibrations in the second section. This allows for different haptic textures based on the audio's frequency content.
Cooperative Patent Classification codes for this invention. Click any code to explore related patents in that topic.
October 1, 2007
August 13, 2013
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